TV and stage star Adrian Schiller has been described as a 'wonderful actor and father' by his Kent MP cousin.

The 60-year-old actor, who appeared in Victoria, Death in Paradise and The Last Kingdom, passed away yesterday with the acting world paying tribute after his death was announced earlier today.

Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat expressed his sadness and paid tribute to his cousin, who he described as “my much-loved cousin” and a “wonderful actor” and “amazing father”.

Posting on social media, Mr Tugendhat said: “I loved him very much and shall miss him deeply. I am not alone. Not just Schillers and Tugendhats but many others have already kindly shared their sadness.

“His memory is a blessing.”

With a career spanning 30 years, Schiller began acting with an appearance in an episode of Prime Suspect.

He appeared in historical dramas The Musketeers and The Devil's Whore as well as cult TV show Doctor Who.

He also starred on the stage in productions including Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, The Veil and The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other.

He was also the face on the anti-drink-driving TV Think! Road Safety' campaign since 2007.

Before his sudden and unexpected death, Schiller had recently returned from Sydney, where he had been appearing in The Lehman Trilogy and was said to be looking forward to continuing the international tour in San Francisco.

Writing on his Twitter account his sister Ginny said: “Dear all. This is Ginny. I'm so sorry to let you all know that our beloved brother Adrian died suddenly at home yesterday.

“He had so many very dear friends - sorry to those of you who are learning about this here. We will say more about funeral and/or memorial plans in due course.

She added: “For now, we're taking things one step at a time, supporting Milena and Gabriel as best we can and trying to get our heads around the unimaginable. Please don't send flowers but if anyone wants to make a gesture, we will be setting up Trust for Gabriel.”

Fellow stars from TV and theatre also took to social media to pay tribute to their former co-star.

Actress Tracy-Ann Oberman said: “Absolutely gutted to hear about the sudden passing of Adrian Schiller - the most wonderful actor, ally and mensch. So sorry to hear this news. May your memory be a blessing.”

Schiller was best known for playing rich ealdorman Aethelhelm in Netflix historical series The Last Kingdom and steward Cornelius Penge in ITV royal drama Victoria.

Scott Marshall Partners, who represented him for more than three decades, said in a statement: “He has died far too soon, and we, his family and close friends are devastated by the loss.

“His death was sudden and unexpected and no further details around its cause are yet available.

“A prodigiously talented actor, he had just returned from Sydney, where he had been appearing in The Lehman Trilogy and was looking forward to continuing the international tour in San Francisco.”

His agent also said he “enjoyed a varied and successful career across all media”.

“Our deepest condolences go to his family, who ask for privacy at this most difficult of times,” the statement also said.

Paying tribute, the outgoing director of the National Theatre Rufus Norris said he was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the loss of a company member.

“Adrian was a wonderful actor, and the National Theatre had the pleasure of working with him throughout the breadth of his career,” he added, in the statement shared on social media.

“His recent performance as Henry Lehman in the Australian premiere of The Lehman Trilogy was superb and his presence within the company will be greatly missed.”